Home Remodeling vs. Renovating
For design and build professionals, there are two very different meanings behind the word “home remodeling.” One refers to a renovation, while the other refers to a complete redesign.
Let’s start with the definition. As defined by Merriam-Webster online, remodel means “change the structure or form of,” whereas renovating means “restore to a good or sound state of repair.”
A remodel will include changing a space’s use, such as adding a kitchen or bathroom. A remodel does not require a permit. However, it must meet specific building codes related to fire safety and accessibility.
Renovate requires a permit, depending on the scope of work. In addition to meeting building code requirements, renovating a home requires an inspection by a licensed professional. This includes a contractor, structural engineer, architect, or interior designer. If you’re considering renovating or remodeling your home, call Restoration Contractors. Our building professionals can help you find great ways to improve your home or business!
Home Remodeling Ideas
Whether you’re looking to increase property value ahead of a sale or just want to make your dream home a reality, chances are there’s an upcoming renovation or remodeling project on the horizon. But where do you start? And what about those Pinterest boards full of gorgeous pictures of kitchens and bathrooms you’ve been drooling over online? How do you turn those ideas into a real-life reality without breaking the bank?
Restoration Contractors are here to help. From determining the best remodeling plan to finding the perfect paint color, we’ve got everything you need to know to navigate the process smoothly — and affordably.
We tapped some of our most trustworthy remodeling resources. We combed our archives to create a comprehensive collection of home remodeling ideas. So whether you’re planning a major overhaul or simply adding a few finishing touches, this handy guide is sure to inspire.
If you’re preparing to sell your current home or just dreaming up ways to transform your existing abode, this handy resource will provide you with all the information you need to get the ideas flowing.
Kitchen Remodel
The kitchen remodeling trend continues to grow in popularity. In fact, according to the National Kitchen & Bath Association, nearly half of all homeowners are thinking about updating their kitchens. If you’re considering a kitchen remodel, there are plenty of things to consider, including design, materials, cost, and functionality. Here are some ideas to help you plan your project.
Planning
Before starting a kitchen remodel, it’s essential to think about what you want out of the space. Do you want a place to cook and eat meals? Or do you envision a multi-use room where guests can hang out while cooking? Consider how much storage you’ll need and whether you want to expand into another part of the house. You might even want to consider adding a second sink or dishwasher.
Design
Once you’ve determined what you want the kitchen to look like, choose colors and finishes that complement your style. For example, go with white cabinets and stainless steel appliances if you love bright colors. On the other hand, if you prefer neutral tones, opt for dark wood cabinetry and black appliances.
Materials
If you decide to update your kitchen with new cabinets, countertops, and flooring, you’ll want to consider your chosen material. Materials vary widely in price, ranging from $10 to $40 per square foot for laminate counters to more than $80 to $100 per square foot for solid granite surfaces. When shopping around, ask yourself whether you need the highest quality materials. A simple laminate countertop could work just fine.
Countertops
Cabinetry is often the most challenging part of a kitchen remodel. You want everything to look great, but keeping costs down is also essential. If your cabinets are in good shape, there’s no reason to spend big bucks replacing them. Instead, you can add some new countertop materials.
Countertops come in many different shapes and sizes. And while granite is undoubtedly the most popular choice, ceramic tile, quartz, and solid surface are options worth considering.
Ceramic tiles are durable and easy to clean. Quartz is scratch resistant and stain-resistant, making it ideal for high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Solid surface countertops are made of several layers of materials bonded together, resulting in a hard surface that resists scratches and stains.
If you’re looking to replace your counters, start by measuring the area where you plan to install them. Then determine what size and type of countertop you want. A small island or peninsula usually requires a larger piece of countertop than a standard sink or stovetop. To find out how much space you have available, measure the distance between your existing cabinets and drawers. This measurement will help determine whether you’ll need a single large slab or multiple countertop pieces.
Next, consider your budget. Larger projects, such as islands, require bigger budgets. Smaller projects, such as a backsplash, can be completed for less money. Before you buy, talk to your contractor and see what prices range he typically charges. Once you decide on a price, shop around for deals. Many stores offer coupons and discounts for contractors. Also, ask for quotes from three or four companies. When comparing products, make sure you understand the difference between brands and types.
Backsplash
A backsplash can make a massive difference to the look of your kitchen. A well-designed backsplash can transform a drab space into a bright, airy room. But you don’t have to spend a fortune to do it. Here’s how to choose and install a backsplash without breaking the bank.
Bathroom Remodel
If you are considering a bathroom remodel, it’s essential to do some research beforehand. This way, you know what type of project you want to tackle and how much money you can spend. You might even find inspiration from some of our favorite bathroom remodels.
While there are many different types of bathrooms, we found a few common themes among the most popular designs.
Shower
A walk-in shower is an excellent addition to any home because it provides a convenient way to bathe without stepping out of the bathtub. They’re easy to install and come in many styles, making them perfect for bathrooms of all sizes.
Tile
Choosing the perfect tile for your bathroom can be tricky. You want it to be functional, beautiful, and affordable. But you don’t want to spend hours searching high and low for just the right one. If you’re looking for inspiration, here are some great ideas to consider:
Accent walls
If you’ve got a blank canvas, why not use it to make a statement? Choose a colorful tile for your shower walls, flooring, and backsplash. This way, you’ll feel like you’ve transformed your space into a new room.
Define Space With Tiles
Tiles come in many shapes and sizes, and different types can work well in some regions of your home. For example, you could opt for large, rectangular subway tiles in the kitchen or bath. They look sleek and modern. Or, you could choose small square tiles in the powder room to give it a chic, retro vibe.
Create Patterns
You don’t always have to stick with plain white or black. Tiling allows you to create unique designs that won’t go out of style. Consider adding patterned tiles to your bathroom. There are endless options- from geometric to animal prints- to take your bathroom design up a notch.
Basement Remodel Ideas
A finished basement can add valuable extra living space to your home. Whether you plan to use it as a guest house, game room, man cave, or family hangout spot, there are many ways to turn this unused area into a great addition to your home.
The cost of finishing a basement varies depending on what you want to do and where you live. In most cases, the project costs less than $15,000. If you’re looking to remodel a small portion of your basement, such as adding a bathroom, laundry area, or kitchenette, the total cost could range from $5,000 to $20,000. But if you’re planning a complete makeover, expect to spend about $30,000 to finish your basement.
Financing options vary based on your needs and financial situation. Some lenders offer loans specifically designed for basement renovations. Others allow homeowners to take advantage of tax credits and deductions associated with home improvements.
Doing a little research can help determine whether financing makes sense for your project. Once you’ve selected the best option, talk to your lender about getting preapproved. This way, you’ll know exactly how much you can borrow and what fees apply.
Once you’ve spoken with one of our professionals at Restoration Contractors, start planning to design and build your dream basement.
Update Your Flooring
If you’re looking to update your living space without spending a fortune, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t consider replacing your old flooring with something new. While most people think about vinyl or laminate floors when they hear “floor,” many different types of materials are out there.
Vinyl
Vinyl tiles aren’t nearly as standard as laminate or hardwood, but they’re still pretty popular. They’re durable, low maintenance, and easy to clean — plus, they look like natural wood, making them perfect for kitchens and bathrooms. If you choose vinyl, check the thickness of the material; thinner products are easier to install but less durable. You’ll probably want a thicker product for areas where foot traffic is heavy, though, since they tend to wear down quickly.
Hardwood
Hardwood is another option worth considering. Like vinyl, hardwood looks good and feels nice underfoot. However, it requires more upkeep and care than vinyl, and it’s much more challenging to install. But hardwood might be the way to go if you’ve got a large area to cover.
Laminate
Laminate is an excellent choice for a variety of reasons:
- It’s incredibly versatile. Most laminates are engineered to mimic natural wood, stone, tile, and ceramic finishes, meaning they look great in almost every setting.
- They’re relatively inexpensive compared to other options.
- They’re relatively simple to install.
Remember that they’re typically sold in sheets, so they’ll need to be cut into smaller pieces to fit your specific needs.
Remove A Wall
Home renovations are expensive, but it doesn’t always mean spending money on materials and labor. Sometimes, it just means making some intelligent choices about what goes where. Removing a wall or two might give your home a little boost in terms of square footage, but it could also increase the value of your property.
Removing a wall can make tiny houses look even more prominent. A study found that adding an extra foot of space inside a home makes it seem 30% larger. So if you’re looking to add a few more square feet to your home, consider knocking down a wall.
The same study found that a typical homeowner spends $20,000 on a bathroom remodeling project. But if you want to save money, don’t go overboard. Instead, focus on a couple of critical areas, such as installing new lighting and tile floors. These changes can make a significant impact without breaking the bank.
Improve Your Home Design
Poorly designed homes are more likely to have structural flaws such as uneven floors, walls that lean too much, and doors that open into rooms that lead nowhere. In addition, plumbing and electrical systems can be placed improperly, making it challenging to move around the house without tripping over wires or pipes. This makes many areas inaccessible — including bathrooms and bedrooms — and can make it hard to find storage spaces.
The best way to avoid these problems is to hire a professional at Restoration Contractors in Arvada, Co, to help plan your next home remodeling project. We will inspect the area of your home you plan on remodeling and determine what’s possible. Call us today at 720-222-0809.